Momjunction believes in credibility and giving our readers access to authentic and evidence-based content. Every article goes through multiple reviews to ensure this.

Our stringent editorial guidelines allow us to cite only from reputed research institutions, academic journals, medically established studies, and highly regarded media and news agencies. If there is any lack of sufficient evidence, we make sure we mention it.

If you discover any discrepancy in our content, we welcome you to write to us. Your feedback helps us serve you better and maintain a long-term relationship with the most important people in our business — you.

Moles are benign spots or patches on the skin that may be present since birth or appear and disappear with time. Pregnant women experience several bodily and skin changes, and moles are no exception. You may develop new moles, and some old ones may fade over time. But if you see the moles change in color, size, or texture during pregnancy, consult your doctor to understand the reasons behind it (1).

In this MomJunction post, we explain about the appearance or changing of moles during pregnancy, the reasons for it, and when you should see a doctor about it.

Is It Normal For The Moles To Change During Pregnancy?

During pregnancy, the moles you already have may undergo minor changes. Some, especially those present on the abdomen and breasts, may become larger and darker. These are benign changes that could happen due to the stretching of the skin or fluctuating hormone levels (2) (3).

However, in rare cases, moles that change asymmetrically could become malignant (cancerous) and should be checked by a dermatologist.

What Causes Moles To Develop During Pregnancy?

New moles may develop due to hormonal changes in pregnancy (4). The increasing hormonal levels of estrogen and progesterone stimulate the melanocytes (cells producing melanin pigment) to produce more pigment (5). Moles thereby appear where there is a concentration of pigment-making cells in the skin.

Do Moles Get Itchy When Pregnant?

Moles may get itchy when the nerves of the skin get irritated. The irritation may be from the chemicals that you apply to the skin, peeling of the skin from sunburn, or dry skin (6). In some cases, a mole could turn itchy solely due to the changes it undergoes (stretching skin or hormonal surge).

When Do Moles Get Harmful?

In general, moles have even pigmentation, distinct edges, and a smooth surface. Checking the changing moles and also examining the emerging moles for the warning signs and symptoms is important to determine if they need medical attention. Talk to your doctor or a dermatologist for the right diagnosis if the moles:

Have uneven or ragged borders

Have uneven color tone, either become darker or have varied colors

Form flakes and crusts

Are itchy

Bleed and cause pain

Are raised from the skin surface

These changes could happen over weeks and months. In some cases, these could be signs of melanoma, a type of skin cancer (1).

Is Mole Removal Safe During Pregnancy?

There is limited study on the safety of mole removal in pregnant women. The local anesthetics, such as lidocaine, used to numb the area for a mole excision are relatively safe to use in pregnancy, but in small doses (7). However, higher doses and exposure during the first trimester could have teratogenic effects on the fetus.

Do Pregnancy Moles Go Away After Childbirth?

Pregnancy moles are likely to go away after delivery, unless they are malignant, in which case they warrant medical intervention (2).

What Is Melanoma And How To Look For It During Pregnancy?

Melanoma is a type of skin cancer that develops from pigment-producing cells (melanocytes). It either appears as a new mole or changes an existing mole into a cancerous one. The specific genetic factor that contributes to acquired melanocytic moles remains unknown but developing large numbers of moles may be an autosomal dominant trait. It is also likely to occur from exposure to UV rays from the sun and also tanning beds (8).

The signs and symptoms of melanoma in pregnant women are the same as those in non-pregnant women. To evaluate the changes, you can follow the ABCDE rule. This rule for self-examination of the skin was introduced by a group of dermatologists as ABCD in 1985 and was later expanded to ABCDE in 2004 (9).

A is for Asymmetry, which means that half of the mole looks different from the other half in color, shape, or texture.

B is for Border irregularity, which implies that the border is irregular or ragged with no defined edges.

C is for Color variation, meaning the color is not uniform throughout the mole and has shades of brown, tan, black, red, or even blue and white.

D is for Diameter, which suggests that moles greater than six millimeters could be malignant.

E is for Evolving; this is also known as ‘the ugly duckling sign,’ where some moles look different from other moles. They change or enlarge with time, and that can be a cause for concern.

If you have a mole that meets one or more of the above criteria, you should consult a doctor immediately.

Melanoma Treatment, And The Implications It May Have On The Growing Baby

Treatment for pregnant melanoma patients is usually the same as it is for anyone else. Also, the treatment depends on the stage of melanoma.

For early-stage melanoma, treatment may involve a surgery where the melanoma is removed after the administration of a local anesthetic. Also, a section of healthy skin that surrounds the melanoma is removed, and the surgery is usually considered safe to undergo while pregnant.

For advanced-stage melanoma that has spread, chemotherapy and immunotherapy may be the options. Both are not recommended during pregnancy as they pose serious side effects, such as risks of birth defects and spontaneous abortion (2).

Can Melanoma Spread To The Baby?

Melanoma is not likely to spread to the baby. In late-stage cancer, when the internal organs are affected, there might be a risk of cancer spreading to the placenta and the baby. In this case, the placenta needs a thorough examination, and the baby should be under a dermatologist’s supervision (10).

If you find a changing mole or a new mole, consult a dermatologist for thorough and timely diagnosis and treatment. Pregnant women with moles must have a dermatology consultation during their pregnancy. Risk factors of developing melanoma are increasing age, personal history or family history of melanoma, excessive sun exposure, or regular visits to a tanning salon.

Taking a few preventive steps, such as minimizing your exposure to the sun, avoiding tanning beds, and having regular dermatology checkups could lessen your risks. Also, use sunscreen, cover up your body, and stay in the shade to protect your skin. Not that every mole may turn into melanoma, but early detection and management could improve the outcome.

All rights reserved. This information is for educational purposes only and not a substitute for professional health services. See a medical professional for personalized consultation. Please read our Disclaimer.